Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs West Ham: Arteta Faces Key Selection Decisions

Mikel Arteta must navigate a selection puzzle as Arsenal prepare to host West Ham at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. A combination of injuries and tactical adjustments could see a surprise inclusion in attack, with Mikel Merino pushing for a starting role after his match-winning display against Leicester City last weekend.

Merino’s Case for a Starting Spot

The Spaniard, usually deployed in midfield, was thrown forward as an emergency striker in the 2-0 win at the King Power Stadium, delivering both goals in a performance that underlined his versatility. With just three recognised forwards fit—Ethan Nwaneri, Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling—Merino could once again lead the line.

Sterling appears the most vulnerable of the trio, having struggled for form and failing to find the net since September. He was withdrawn for Merino in the second half against Leicester, and Arteta may see this as an opportunity to make a more permanent change.

Defensive Stability Despite Tomiyasu Absence

While attacking options remain limited, Arsenal have more stability at the back, despite the confirmation that Takehiro Tomiyasu will miss the remainder of the season after knee surgery. Ben White has returned to fitness and was named on the bench last weekend but did not feature. He will hope to be involved against West Ham.

At left-back, Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly are vying for a starting spot, though the rest of the defensive structure is largely settled.

Midfield Options Provide Balance

In midfield, Thomas Partey is expected to anchor the side as the No6, with Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard providing creativity and control ahead of him. Despite Merino’s potential redeployment further forward, Arsenal’s midfield remains a source of stability.

Predicted Arsenal Lineup vs West Ham (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Raya
Defenders: Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly
Midfielders: Ødegaard, Partey, Rice
Forwards: Nwaneri, Trossard, Merino

Kick-off is scheduled for 3pm GMT on Saturday, 22 February 2025, at the Emirates Stadium. The match will be officiated by Craig Pawson.

Arsenal squad from: Neto, Raya, Setford; Calafiori, Gabriel, Kacurri, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Saliba, Tierney, Timber, Zinchenko; Jorginho, Merino, Nwaneri, Ødegaard, Partey, Rice; Sterling, Trossard.

Injuries: Havertz (hamstring), Jesus (knee), Martinelli (hamstring), Saka (hamstring), Tomiyasu (knee).